Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options available. Oral surgeons often recommend implants to replace one missing tooth, a few missing teeth, or an entire row of missing teeth! The benefits of dental implants are numerous when compared to other tooth replacement options.
One of the greatest advantages of implants is that they support jawbone regeneration. When a person loses one or more teeth, the jawbone no longer has tooth roots to support it. Over time, the bone will deteriorate causing atrophy, difficulty chewing, and trouble pronouncing words. When dental implants replace the missing tooth roots, the jawbone will fuse itself to the implants through a natural process called osseointegration. This process strengthens the jawbone to eliminate these risks.
Other advantages of dental implants include:
- Durability
- Convenience
- Comfort
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved oral health
- High success rate
As great as implants are, they do come with a few disadvantages. Read the rest of this blog to learn about the possible downsides of dental implants.
Cost
The number one reason patients choose other tooth replacement options is a lack of affordability. A single implant can cost thousands of dollars. Each case is different, so you’ll need to speak with your oral surgeon to determine how much your implants will cost.
While dental implants aren’t initially affordable, patients save money over time by avoiding more oral health problems in the future. Additionally, unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants rarely have to be replaced.
To help relieve some of the financial burden, most oral surgeons accept most insurances, offer payment plans, and accept CareCredit®. These payment options allow patients to set up affordable monthly payments until the surgery is paid in full.
Surgery
Other tooth replacement options like dental bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures, require minimally invasive procedures at most. The dental implant procedure is quick and simple, but it is more invasive than others. To secure the implants, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gums and insert the dental implant. To guarantee its success, he has planned exactly where the implant should go and uses precision while placing it.
In addition to the procedure, dental implants take a long time to heal. The process of osseointegration can take anywhere between 3 and 18 months. Meaning, your restoration can’t be placed immediately.
The entire process of restoring one or more teeth with dental implants requires lots of patience.
Dental Implant Failure
Although implants are the most successful tooth replacement options, there is a small chance of failure. It’s reported that 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail either right after surgery, months after, or years later. The factors that impact dental implant success are:
- Gum disease
- Smoking
- Insufficient jawbone
- Medical conditions
- Poor dental hygiene
- An inexperienced oral surgeon
Other conditions that can lead to dental implant failure include:
- Infection
- Implant instability
- Insufficient bone support
- Allergic reactions
- Nerve or tissue damage
- Injury to the implant area
Thankfully, dental implant surgery is extremely predictable. And when patients choose an experienced, highly recommended oral surgeon, these risks are lowered even more.
Find the Best Oral Surgeon Near You
The best way to learn if dental implants are the right decision for your smile is to meet with an oral surgeon. Dr. Chris Tye has decades of experience and thousands of satisfied patients that speaks to his quality of care.
If you live in the Grapevine, TX area, call our office today at (817) 552-3223 to schedule an initial consultation.
